Cui Yan, courtesy name Jigui, was from Wucheng in Qinghe Dong County. When he was young, he was introverted and liked to practice swordsmanship, and had a keen interest in martial arts. At the age of twenty-three, he took up an official post in his village, which led him to start studying seriously, reading the 'Analects' and Han poetry. By the age of twenty-nine, he joined Gong Sunfang and others to study under Zheng Xuan. Before completing his studies, the Yellow Turban rebels attacked Beihai, which forced Zheng Xuan and his students to flee to Mount Buqi to escape the chaos of war. At that time, food supplies were running low, prompting Zheng Xuan to dismiss his students. Cui Yan was also sent away, but with bandits rampant and the western roads blocked, he traveled through the outskirts of Qingzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou, reaching Shouchun in the east and the vicinity of the Yangtze River and lakes in the south. He returned home after four years and occupied himself with reading and playing the qin.
When Yuan Shao heard of him, he extended an invitation. At that time, the soldiers were extremely unruly, digging up graves indiscriminately. Cui Yan advised, "Sun Qing once remarked: 'Soldiers who lack proper training and are not well-equipped, even if they are as virtuous as King Tang and King Wu, cannot guarantee victory in battle.' Now the roads are strewn with bones, and the people have not yet felt your grace. You should order the counties to bury the bones, demonstrating your compassion and emulating the benevolence of King Wen." Yuan Shao appointed him as a cavalry captain. Later, when Yuan Shao stationed his troops in Liyang and Yanzhen, Cui Yan advised again, "The emperor is currently in Xuchang, and the people all hope you will support him. Instead of defending your territory, focus on your duties and let the people live in peace." Yuan Shao ignored this advice, which ultimately led to his defeat in the Battle of Guandu. After Yuan Shao's death, his two sons fought for control, both vying for Cui Yan's allegiance. Cui Yan pretended to be ill and declined, which resulted in his punishment and imprisonment. Fortunately, with the help of Yin Kui and Chen Lin, he managed to escape.
Cao Cao defeated the Yuan clan, was appointed Governor of Jizhou, and appointed Cui Yan as his chief aide, saying to him, "I have just completed a census; Jizhou can recruit 300,000 soldiers and horses, so this is indeed a major province!" Cui Yan replied, "Now the world is in chaos, and the Nine Provinces are fractured. The brothers Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu are fighting each other, and the corpses of Jizhou’s people lie scattered across the fields. Have you not heard that the voice of your army’s benevolence and righteousness should precede, first understand the people's plight, and save them from suffering? Yet you prioritize counting your military strength; is this really what the people of Jizhou want from you?" Cao Cao, upon hearing this, changed his demeanor and offered his apologies. The guests present were all taken aback and turned pale.
Gaozu went off to battle in Bingzhou, leaving Emperor Wen behind in Ye City. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince went hunting, changed into casual clothes, and rode around on horseback, completely preoccupied with having fun. Yan wrote him a letter of advice, saying, "I've heard that getting too caught up in pleasure while hunting is frowned upon in the texts; Duke Yin of Lu was criticized for going to look at fish, as noted in the Spring and Autumn Annals. This reflects the teachings of Duke Zhou and Confucius, clearly stated in the Book of Rites and the Spring and Autumn Annals. Both the Xia and Shang Dynasties learned this lesson the hard way, as clearly recorded in the Book of Songs; the Book of Rites also mentions that the day of Zimao isn't a good time for entertainment. This is a lesson learned from our predecessors, and we must seriously consider it! The Yuan family is very powerful, but you indulge yourself in extravagant pleasures, which is not good for your reputation. Even the strong soldiers have grown lax because of your behavior. How can you lead a million troops and hold the Hebei region without any sense of security? The country needs a lot of work, and the people's lives have not improved; everyone is counting on you to make a difference. Moreover, your father is still fighting on the front lines, working hard, and you really need to be careful and stay on the right path. Think about how to govern the country, seriously learn from the lessons of the past, set a good example, and consider how to assist your father, seeing your own safety as your greatest asset. You're running around in rough clothes, chasing wild rabbits for fun, forgetting the serious responsibilities of running the country—how can anyone who knows better not be worried? I hope you can fix your mistakes and live up to everyone's expectations, so I don't end up making a huge mistake!" The Crown Prince replied, "I have received your teachings before, wanting me to change those bad habits, but I've already changed those bad habits."
Gaozu became Chancellor, and Yan was appointed as an official in the Eastern and Western Departments, responsible for handling government affairs. When Yan first took office as the clerk of the eastern department, Gaozu said to him, "You have the noble character of Boyi and the integrity of Shiyu. Greedy people will envy your reputation, brave people will take you as a role model, you can definitely become a model of this era. So, I appoint you as the clerk of the eastern department, so go and do your best!" When the Kingdom of Wei was just established, Yan was appointed as a secretary. At that time, there was no crown prince yet, and Marquis Zhi of Linzi was very talented and loved by Gaozu. Unable to make a decision, Gaozu secretly wrote to consult the ministers' opinions. Only Yan responded openly, "I have heard that according to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, the eldest son should be the crown prince, and the prince must be benevolent, righteous, filial, intelligent, and wise in order to inherit the throne. I pledge to uphold this principle!" Zhi was the husband of Yan's sister. Gaozu admired his integrity and exclaimed with a sigh, "Ah!" and then promoted Yan to the rank of captain.
As for Yang Xiu, he was quite impressive, tall and handsome, with a beard that was four feet long. He had a commanding presence, and the court ministers respected and feared him; even Cao Cao couldn't do anything about him. Once, Yang Xiu recommended someone named Yang Xun, who was of average ability but had good character and was upright and honest. Cao Cao politely invited him to work. Later, when Cao Cao became the King of Wei, Yang Xun wrote articles praising Cao Cao's achievements and virtues. Many people mocked Yang Xun for being a sycophant, claiming that Yang Xiu had misjudged him. After reading Yang Xun's article, Yang Xiu wrote him a letter saying, "The article is well written! However, things might change in the future!" Yang Xiu implied that the critics were simply spouting nonsense without considering the actual situation.
Someone told Cao Cao the contents of Yang Xiu's letter, saying that Yang Xiu was arrogant and complained about everything. Cao Cao was furious upon hearing this, saying, "As the saying goes, 'having a daughter,' the character '耳' is not a good term! 'When changes are about to happen,' this clearly means he is not satisfied!" So Cao Cao sentenced Yang Xiu to exile, but Yang Xiu showed no signs of submission. Cao Cao further remarked, "Although Yang Xiu has been punished, his house is still full of guests, and when he speaks with guests, he raises his chin and stares them down, looking quite fierce." Finally, Cao Cao granted Yang Xiu death.
Yang Xiu was close friends with Sima Lang, and when Sima Yi was young, Yang Xiu said to Sima Lang, "Your brother is intelligent, wise, decisive, and brave; you can't hold a candle to him!" Sima Lang did not believe it at the time, but Yang Xiu always thought so. Yang Xiu's younger brother, Yang Lin, was unknown when he was young; even his own relatives scorned him, but Yang Xiu always said, "This is what they mean by 'great talent takes time to mature'; he will surely achieve great things in the future!" When Sun Li and Lu Yu from Zhuo County joined Cao Cao's army, Yang Xiu said, "Sun Li is straightforward, resolute, and decisive; Lu Yu is honest and discerning right from wrong; they're both exceptional talents!" Eventually, Yang Lin, Sun Li, and Lu Yu all rose to prominence as important officials in the court. After Yang Xiu's friends Gong Sun Fang and Song Jie passed away, Yang Xiu took care of their orphans as if they were his own kin. His keen insight into people, along with his loyalty and integrity, have always earned him widespread praise.
At the beginning, Cao Cao was inherently suspicious. Anyone he found displeasing, such as Kong Rong, Xu You, and Lou Gui, were executed for their arrogance and offense against him. However, the death of Yang Xiu was the most regrettable. Even today, people mourn for him, "Initially, Taizu was known for his suspicion. Those who were unable to endure it were Kong Rong of Lu, Xu You of Nanyang, and Lou Gui, all killed for relying on their old connections. Yet, Yang Xiu was the one most lamented by society, still wronged to this day." Mao Jie, styled Xiaoxian, was from Pingqiu, Chenliu. When he was young, he served as a county official and was known for his integrity. Planning to escape to Jingzhou, he heard that Liu Biao's governance was ineffective, so he went to Luyang. When Cao Cao became the Governor of Yanzhou, he recruited Mao Jie as a secretary. Mao Jie told Cao Cao, "The realm is in turmoil, the emperor has moved, the people are starving and poor, fleeing everywhere. The government doesn't even have a year's worth of food reserves. The people are unsettled. This situation cannot last long. Yuan Shao and Liu Biao, although they have strong armies and many people, they lack long-term plans and a solid foundation. War requires strategy and money to hold territory. We should support the emperor, command those who do not obey, develop agriculture, and stockpile military supplies. With this, the ambition to unify the realm can be realized." Cao Cao valued his words and promoted him to the position of Assistant in the Secretariat. In this way, Mao Jie's advice was accepted by Cao Cao, and his career took on a new development. From an unknown county official to becoming a close aide to Cao Cao, Mao Jie's transformation not only demonstrated his exceptional talent but also showed his keen insight into the situation and accurate judgment of the overall situation. His advice of "serving the emperor to command the disobedient, cultivating agriculture, and stockpiling military resources" also laid an important foundation for Cao Cao's future unification of the empire. This narrative is not merely a historical account but also a tale of wisdom and vision.
When Cao Cao became Prime Minister, Wang Yun was his subordinate, responsible for talent selection and, along with Cui Yan, managing the appointment of officials. The people he selected were all honest and incorruptible, and he did not promote those who were famous at the time but lacked true ability. He lived a very frugal and simple life himself, and as a result, people across the country began to take pride in integrity, even high-ranking officials refrained from extravagance in their clothing and accessories. Cao Cao sighed, "With someone like him in charge, everyone can restrain themselves. What use am I as Prime Minister?"
Later, when Cao Pi became the Commander of the Guards, he personally went to Wang Yun, hoping he would promote his relatives and friends. Wang Yun replied, "As an old man, I consider myself fortunate just to do my job honestly. Those people you mentioned aren't qualified by the rules, so I dare not follow your orders." Later, when the army returned to Ye City, they needed to downsize some departments. Everyone feared Wang Yun and wanted to eliminate the Eastern Bureau, so they collectively petitioned, "The Western Bureau used to have a higher status than the Eastern Bureau, so the Eastern Bureau should be eliminated now." Cao Cao understood their intentions and commanded, "The sun rises in the east, and the moon is fullest in the east as well, and people tend to refer to the east first. Why should we cut the Eastern Bureau?" Thus, the Western Bureau was eliminated.
After Cao Cao captured Liucheng earlier, he distributed the confiscated items and specially rewarded Wang Yun with a simple screen and a simple low table, saying, "You embody the spirit of an ancient sage, so I am giving you items that ancient sages would use." Although Wang Yun held a high position, he always wore plain clothes, ate vegetarian food, and took great care of orphans and widows. He used his rewards to aid the poor and had no savings to his name. Later, he was promoted to the position of Right General Advisor. When the Wei Kingdom was newly established, he was appointed as the Director of the Department of Writing and was responsible for selecting talents. At that time, the crown prince had yet to be determined, and the Marquis of Linzi, Cao Zhi, was in high favor. Wang Yun cautiously advised Cao Cao, saying, "Previously, Yuan Shao's failure to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate offspring led to the downfall of his family. It is best not to easily believe malicious gossip in matters as important as the succession of the crown prince." Later, when the court officials convened, Wang Yun stood up to change his clothes, and Cao Cao pointed to him and said, "This is the upright minister of the state, as the ancients described, my Zhou Chang!" Following Cui Yan's death, Bai Gui was quite discontented. Later, a man named Bai Jie went out and encountered criminals marked with tattoos on their faces. Their wives and children were all taken as servants, slaves, or concubines. Bai Jie said, "Perhaps it is because the heavens are displeased with these people having characters carved on their faces that it is not raining." Upon hearing this, Cao Cao was furious and had Bai Jie arrested and imprisoned.
The Minister of Justice, Zhong Yao, interrogated Bai Jie, saying: "Since ancient times, wise emperors have ruled the land, and the families of criminals have to face the consequences too. The Book of History states: 'The sins of one side do not implicate those on the other side; only I would have the wives and children of criminals executed.' It's the magistrate's duty that when a man commits a crime, he becomes a slave, and a woman becomes a laborer. Han Dynasty laws state that the wives and children of criminals become slaves and servants, with marks on their faces. The Han Dynasty practiced tattooing as punishment, as noted in history books. Even if the ancestors of these servants committed crimes, their descendants still bear the marks on their faces after hundreds of years, to excuse the common folks and ease the burden on the criminals. How can this be seen as going against heaven's will and causing a drought? According to historical records, urgent matters result in cold weather, too much leniency leads to warmth, and excessive leniency results in drought. Bai Jie, are you advocating for leniency or urgency in handling this matter? Rain should fall in times of urgency, so why is there a drought instead? During the reign of King Cheng Tang, the fields were barren despite his wisdom; during the time of King Xuan of Zhou, severe drought plagued the land. Now, the drought has persisted for thirty years, yet you blame those with tattoos on their faces. Is this appropriate? When the state of Wei attacked the state of Xing, it rained as the army set out, with no signs of wrongdoing. How do you explain this? Your complaints, Bai Jie, have made their way to the common folks, and the dissatisfaction has reached the emperor. Did you say this all by yourself? How many people with tattoos on their faces have you actually seen? Do you know all of these servants with tattoos on their faces? How can you see them and still feel sorry for them? When did you speak to them? How did they respond to you? On what day? In what place? The truth is out; you can't hide it, so lay out exactly what happened!"
Bai Jie said: "I heard that Xiao Wangzhi was strangled because he offended Shi Xian; Jia Yi was demoted due to offending the Marquis of Jiang and Guan Ying; Bai Qi was granted a sword to take his own life in Du You; Chao Cuo was killed in Dongshi; Wu Zixu was killed in the State of Wu. Some of these people were jealous of their high achievements, while others were framed by those in power. I have been diligent since I was young, striving to obtain an official position; my position is close to the seat of power, making it easy to be implicated. If someone frames me out of personal vendetta, no one will come to my defense; if someone wrongs me, no one will seek justice for me. People's greed for money is condemned by law; the law prohibits greed, but power can harm people. Like flies buzzing around, someone is slandering me behind my back, and the one slandering me holds no greater power than I do. In the past, Wang Shu and Chen Sheng argued about the legitimacy of the Wang court, and Xuan Zi came to arbitrate. Xuan Zi asked them to present evidence, and the right and wrong were determined; this incident was documented in the 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' thus it has been preserved. If I don't speak of these matters, I will have no time or people. If I speak of these matters, there must be a reason. Please investigate this matter as Xuan Zi did, and argue your case like Wang Shu. If I am truly guilty, then on the day of my execution, it will be akin to An Si's gift; if I am given a precious sword, it will be like a reward. I hereby state the facts." At this time, Huan Jie and He Qia came out to plead for Bai Jie. Bai Jie was eventually spared from punishment and passed away at home. Cao Cao provided him with a coffin, ceremonial items, money, and silk, and appointed his son to the position of Langzhong.
Xu Yi, courtesy name Jicai, hails from Dongguan, Guangdong. To avoid the chaos of war, he went to Jiangdong, where he was kindly appointed by Sun Ce. However, Xu Yi later changed his name and quietly returned to his hometown in plain clothes. After Cao Cao became the Minister of Works, he recruited Xu Yi as his assistant and followed him on a campaign against Ma Chao to the west. After defeating Ma Chao, the army returned. At that time, the Guanzhong region had just been pacified, and the situation was still unstable, so Cao Cao left Xu Yi as the Chief Clerk to the Prime Minister, responsible for guarding the western capital of Anding. The people of Anding held him in high regard. Later, he was promoted to Inspector of Yongzhou and was later promoted to serve as an officer under Cao Cao. At that time, Ding Yi and others were favored by Cao Cao; they were jealous of Xu Yi and wanted to harm him, but Xu Yi remained unaffected by their jealousy. Later, he was sent to Wei Commandery as Administrator. When Cao Cao launched a campaign against Sun Quan, he appointed Xu Yi as Chief Clerk in Lu and said to him, "Your loyalty and integrity surpass those of ancient people, but you are a bit too stern. In the past, Ximen Bao used belts to decorate himself to soften his aura and was able to subdue strong people in a gentle way. I hope you can do the same. Now that you are in charge of the affairs of the rear guard, I won’t have to worry about the rear anymore." After the establishment of the Wei state, Xu Yi was appointed as a Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, responsible for selecting officials, and later promoted to Minister of the Imperial Secretariat.
During Cao Cao's campaign in Hanzhong, Wei Fang and others conspired to rebel. Yang Jun, the lieutenant, was demoted for negligence. Cao Cao sighed and said, "Wei Fang dared to rebel because among my trusted ministers, there was no one to stop the treachery and prevent conspiracies! Where can I find someone like Zhuge Liang to take Yang Jun's place?" Huan Jie said, "Xu Yi is such a person." Cao Cao then appointed Xu Yi as the lieutenant and personally wrote an order saying, "In the past, in the State of Chu, there was a man named Zi Yu, and Duke Wen of Chu let him sit beside him; Ji An in the court held office, and the King of Huainan had to listen to his strategies. The Book of Songs states, 'the ruler of a state needs a counselor,' referring to someone like you!" A few months after Xu Yi took office as lieutenant, he fell seriously ill, requested to resign, was appointed as an advisor, and passed away shortly after.
He Kui, known by the courtesy name Shu Long, was from Yangxia in Chen County. His great-grandfather He Xi held the high position of General of Chariots and Cavalry during the reign of Emperor An of Han. He Kui lost his father at a young age and lived with his mother and brother, becoming famous for his filial piety and brotherly love. He stood eight feet three inches tall, with a dignified and majestic appearance. Later, during the turmoil of the times, he sought refuge in Huainan.
Later on, Yuan Shu arrived in Shouchun and wanted He Kui to work for him. Although He Kui initially refused, Yuan Shu still insisted on keeping him. After some time, Yuan Shu and Qiao Rui attacked and besieged Qiyang, which was defended by Cao Cao. As He Kui was a local of Qiyang, Yuan Shu wanted to pressure him into convincing Qiyang to surrender. He Kui then told Yuan Shu's advisor Li Ye, "In the past, when Liu Xia Hui heard about an impending attack on a country, he expressed concern and said, 'I've heard that when attacking a country, they never consult righteous individuals. How did I come to hear this?'" and then he fled to Mount Qing. Yuan Shu knew that He Kui would not serve him in the end, so he decided to let it go. Yuan Shu's cousin, the Prefect of Shanyang, was actually He Kui's aunt, so although Yuan Shu resented He Kui, he did not harm him.
In the year 197 AD, Zhuge Liang wanted to return to his hometown, fearing that Cao Cao would pursue him, so he secretly sneaked away and only returned to his county the next year. Not long after, Cao Cao invited him to his side and made him an official in his administration. At that time, there were rumors that Yuan Shu's army was going to rebel, so Cao Cao asked Zhuge Liang, "Do you think this news is reliable?" Zhuge Liang replied, "Heaven helps those who align with its will, and the people support those who keep their word. Yuan Shu neither follows the will of heaven nor keeps his word, yet he thinks he can get help from heaven and the people. How could he ever succeed? Rulers who lose the people's support will even be betrayed by their own relatives, let alone his own people! I think Yuan Shu will definitely rebel!" Cao Cao said, "A country will fall apart if it loses its talented people. Since you have not been used by Yuan Shu, it makes sense for him to rebel!"
Cao Cao had a notoriously harsh temperament, and if his subordinates made mistakes in official business, they would often be punished. Zhuge Liang always kept poison on hand, vowing to die rather than endure humiliation, so Cao Cao ultimately spared him. Later, Zhuge Liang was appointed as the magistrate of Chengfu County and later promoted to Prefect of Changguang. Changguang County was near the mountains and the sea, and the Yellow Turban Rebellion was still ongoing. Many notable figures had turned against the court, and Yuan Tan even granted them official positions. There was a man in Changguang County named Guan Cheng, who commanded over three thousand households and had turned into a bandit, causing harm to the region. Some suggested launching a military attack against him. Zhuge Liang said, "Guan Cheng and his men do not naturally enjoy rebellion, but have become accustomed to it and cannot turn back. They have not received proper education, so they do not know how to repent. If we use force to pressure them now, they will fear extermination and will fight fiercely. Defeating them in battle won't be easy, and even if we win, many officials, soldiers, and civilians could be injured or killed. It’s better to gradually win them over with kindness and virtue, so they can repent and reform on their own without resorting to military action." Therefore, Zhuge Liang sent County Magistrate Huang Zhen to clarify the situation to Guan Cheng and his men, and they ultimately surrendered. Zhuge Liang dispatched Official Cheng Hong to lead the troops, along with the county magistrate of Changguang and others, to greet them outside the city with cattle and wine.
Later, he also dealt with the bandits led by Qian, who commanded several thousand men. Zhuge Liang led the county soldiers and Zhang Liao to bring them under control as well. Wang Ying, a man from Dongmou, posed a threat of rebellion against Changyang County. Zhuge Liang sent officials such as Wang Qin to provide them with a strategy for self-destruction. In less than a month, everything was brought under control.
At that time, Taizu had just begun to implement new laws in various states and counties, as well as started collecting taxes and silk products. Zhang Kui felt that because the counties had just been established and had just experienced war, the laws could not be enforced strictly all at once. So he wrote a memorial saying, "Since the war, the common people have lost their homes. Although things have stabilized slightly now, the time for educating the people has been limited. The newly issued laws aim to strictly punish illegal behavior and make the world unified in obeying the laws. The six counties I oversee have just been established, and there is also a famine. If these laws are enforced too strictly from the start, some people may resist. If they do not comply and have to be killed, it would contradict the original intention of understanding the people's sentiments, teaching the people, and flexibly handling situations according to actual circumstances. In ancient times, the sage kings differentiated taxes based on distance and formulated punishments based on order or chaos. I believe that this county should be governed according to the systems of remote areas and newly opened areas. For some minor issues concerning the common people, let the local officials handle them temporarily according to the actual circumstances, as long as they do not violate the law and can conform to the people's wishes. After three years, when the common people are settled and prosperous, then strict enforcement of the laws can solve all problems." Taizu accepted his suggestion. Zhang Kui was summoned back to the court and participated in the military decision-making of the prime minister. Later, the pirate Guo Zu ravaged the areas of Le'an and Jinan, and the states and counties could not bear it. Taizu remembered that Zhang Kui had high prestige in Changguang County before, so he appointed him as the prefect of Le'an. After a few months in office, Zhang Kui managed to pacify those cities.
At the beginning, I served as the East Cao Clerk of the Prime Minister's Mansion. I told Emperor Taizu at that time, "Since the start of the war, many systems have been temporarily established, and there's no clear method for appointing officials. As a result, everyone has formed factions and forgotten about morals. I believe that if titles are granted to virtuous and capable individuals, the common people will start to value morals; if salaries are paid to mediocre individuals, the common people will work hard. Therefore, in the future, when appointing officials, we must first investigate their reputation in their hometowns, so they can act appropriately based on their age and seniority to avoid chaos. Loyalty and integrity should be recognized publicly, and those who contribute to public affairs should be clearly rewarded, distinguishing between the virtuous and the unworthy. The system for recommending talents should be revised to ensure false information doesn’t slip through, and relevant departments should verify diligently. Court officials should undergo regular evaluations, and talents should be selected together with the East Cao, each performing their duties. By keeping an eye on the courtiers' conduct in this way, the Emperor can prevent the root of power struggles and corruption, effectively managing those under them, leading the people towards virtue, and bringing hope for peace throughout the realm." Emperor Taizu found my words very reasonable.
After the establishment of the Wei Kingdom, I was appointed as the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. When Emperor Wen was the Crown Prince, he appointed Liang Mao as the Grand Tutor and me as the Junior Tutor; the Emperor also specifically ordered the two Grand Tutors and the Chief of the Eastern Secretariat to select officials for the Crown Prince together. After Liang Mao passed away, I succeeded to his position. On the first day of each month, the Grand Tutor would go to pay respects to the Crown Prince, who would wear formal attire to show respect; there were no special ceremonies on other days. Later, I was promoted to Grand Master, and the Crown Prince wanted to bid farewell to me. He prepared gifts several days in advance, but I never intended to go. The Crown Prince wrote to invite me, and I explained that there are rules and regulations in the country, so I could not go. That's just how meticulous I am in my official duties. Yet, during this frugal time, my lifestyle was quite extravagant. After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, he appointed me as the Marquis of Chengyang with a fief of three hundred households. When I fell ill, I made several requests to resign from my position. The Emperor replied, "It is common for emperors to honor the worthy and maintain close ties with loyal officials. Being close to old officials can bring assistance; honoring the virtuous can make the country more prosperous. Those with hidden virtues will surely be rewarded. Although you are still ill, heaven will see it. Rest assured and focus on recovering, don't make me worry." Later, I passed away and was posthumously honored with the title Marquis of Jing. My son succeeded to my title and became the Minister of Works during the Xianxi reign.
Xing Yong, styled Ziang, was a native of Maocounty in Hejian, Hebei. The court summoned him to be a Filial and Incorrupt candidate, and the provincial governor invited him to serve as an official, but he declined both. He later changed his name and moved to Beiping in the north, where he lived with Tian Chou. After five years, Cao Cao pacified Jizhou. Xing Yong told Tian Chou, "The Yellow Turban Uprising has lasted over twenty years, plunging the entire country into chaos and displacing the common people. I heard that Cao Cao's laws are very strict, and the people are tired of war. When chaos reaches its peak, peace will come. I want to return home first as an example." So he packed up and returned to his hometown. Tian Chou said, "Xing Yong, he is the first awakened person among the common people!" Then Tian Chou went to find Cao Cao and recommended Xing Yong to him as a guide to attack Liucheng.
Cao Cao appointed Xing Yong as an official in Jizhou, and at the time people praised him as "Xing Yong with noble character!" Later, he was appointed as the magistrate of Guangzong County. When his father passed away, he resigned from his position to mourn at home. The authorities reported that he had violated regulations, but Cao Cao said, "Xing Yong is loyal to his former master, with steadfast integrity." So no further action was taken. Cao Cao then appointed him as an official under the Minister of Works, and later he became the magistrate of Xingtang County. He encouraged the people to engage in agriculture and plant mulberry trees, which significantly improved the local social climate. Later, he returned to the court and served as a supervisor in the Prime Minister's Office, and was promoted to Left Fengyi. Due to health issues, he resigned from his position. At that time, Cao Cao's sons were in the process of selecting officials, and Cao Cao ordered, "Officials from noble families should choose individuals with profound knowledge and noble character, like Xing Yong." So Xing Yong was appointed as the steward of the Pingyuan Marquis Cao Zhi's household. Xing Yong was cautious and courteous, never resorting to flattery, which caused some tension between him and Cao Zhi. Cao Zhi's brother Liu Zhen wrote a letter advising Cao Zhi, "Steward Xing Yong is a rare talent in the north. He has upheld noble integrity since a young age, he is calm and reserved, speaks little but thinks deeply, truly a refined gentleman! I really feel unworthy to sit on the same level as such a person. While you treat me with great respect, you are somewhat distant towards Xing Yong. I am concerned that others might criticize you for associating with unworthy individuals, not understanding the importance of respecting the virtuous and the talented, only valuing young talents like me and forgetting mature and stable talents like Xing Yong. This could attract criticism, which would be a serious mistake, so I hope you will consider this carefully before proceeding." Later, Xing Yong became involved in military affairs under the Prime Minister and was promoted to the position of Eastern Cao Yuan.
Initially, the Crown Prince (Cao Pi) was not yet determined, and the Marquis of Linzi, Cao Zhi, enjoyed considerable favor, with Ding Yi and others extolling his virtues. Cao Cao asked Xing Yong for his opinion, and Xing Yong replied, "It is a lesson from past dynasties to let a commoner inherit the throne. I hope Your Highness will consider this carefully!" Cao Cao grasped his intent and later appointed Cao Pi as the Crown Prince, and appointed Xing Yong as the Crown Prince's Mentor, later promoting him to Grand Tutor. After Emperor Wen Cao Pi ascended the throne, Xing Yong served as an attendant, Minister of Works, and was granted the title of Marquis of Guannei. He later served as Colonel Director of Retainers and was then transferred to the position of Minister of Ceremonies. In the fourth year of the Huangchu era, he died, and his son Xing You inherited his title.
Bao Xun, styled Shuye, hailed from Pingyang in Mount Tai and was the ninth generation descendant of Han Dynasty Colonel Director of Retainers Bao Xuan. Some of Bao Xuan's descendants moved from Shangdang to Mount Tai and settled there. Bao Xun's father was Bao Xin, who held the position of Cavalry Commandant under Emperor Ling of Han, and was later sent by Grand General He Jin to recruit soldiers in the east. He later served as Administrator of Jibei, shared a strong bond with our founding figure, Cao Cao, but was ultimately executed due to his association with Cao Cao, as noted in the "Biography of Dong Zhuo" and the "Records of Emperor Wu." In the seventeenth year of Jian'an, our founding ancestor Cao Cao posthumously honored Bao Xin's contributions and bestowed the title of Marquis of Xinduting upon Bao Xun's elder brother, Bao Shao. He then appointed Bao Xun as an official in the Prime Minister's Office.
In the twenty-second year of Jian'an, when the Crown Prince was appointed, Bao Xun was designated as Central Secretary. Later, he was reassigned as the Commandant of Wei County in the west. The brother-in-law of Crown Prince Guo Jia was a minor official in Quzhou County. For his role in the theft of official cloth, he was supposed to be executed according to the law. At that time, Emperor Cao Cao was in Qiao County, while the Crown Prince was in Ye City, and he wrote several letters to Bao Xun, hoping that Bao Xun would show leniency. Bao Xun felt that this matter should not be overlooked, so he reported the situation in detail to Cao Cao. When Bao Xun was in the Eastern Palace before, he always acted justly and did not show favoritism. The Crown Prince already did not like him much, and now, because of this incident, he became even angrier. Coincidentally, the county's troop mobilization was not completed on time, so the Crown Prince secretly had the lieutenant submit a report, and Bao Xun was dismissed from his post. After some time, Bao Xun was appointed as an Imperial Secretary again. In the first year of Yankang, Emperor Cao Cao passed away, and the Crown Prince ascended the throne as the Emperor. Bao Xun was appointed as the Commandant of the Imperial Cavalry and concurrently served as an attendant.
After Emperor Wen ascended the throne, the meritorious officials advised, "The most important thing now is to focus on the construction of the army and agricultural production, and to be kind and generous to the people. The grand palaces and gardens can be left for future generations to construct." Later, Emperor Wen planned to go hunting, but the meritorious officials submitted a memorial to dissuade him, saying, "It is said that in ancient times, the Five Emperors and Three Kings all first emphasized the fundamentals, established education, and governed the realm with filial piety. Your Majesty is kind and wise, full of compassion, just like the wise ancient monarchs. I hope Your Majesty can inherit the excellent traditions of the past and leave a model for future generations. However, how can you engage in hunting at such an unwise time! I risk my life to offer this counsel, hoping Your Majesty will carefully consider." After reading the memorial, Emperor Wen angrily tore it up and went ahead with the hunt.
While hunting, Emperor Wen suddenly stopped and asked his attendant, "Which is better, the pleasure of hunting or music?" The attendant Liu Ye replied, "Hunting is superior to music." The loyal minister immediately retorted, "Music can connect with the divine above and harmonize human relationships below, bringing stability and prosperity to the country and peace to all nations. Changing customs, there is nothing more effective than music. Moreover, hunting, with its extravagant display in the wilderness, disrupts the natural order of the world and disregards the seasons. Historically, Duke Yin of Lu was criticized in the Spring and Autumn Annals for watching fishing in the Tang area. Even if Your Majesty considers hunting important, I believe it ought not to be practiced." He then continued, "Liu Ye flatters and is not loyal to the country, pandering to Your Majesty's misguided notions. Just as Liang Qiuju sought to curry favor with King Tai, Liu Ye is the same kind of person. I urge that the relevant authorities investigate his actions to preserve the dignity of the imperial family." Emperor Wen was furious, and the hunting could not continue. He immediately demoted the loyal minister to the rank of Right Middle General.
In the fourth year of the Huangchu era, the Minister of Personnel, Chen Qun, and the Minister of Justice, Sima Xuanwang, recommended a meritorious official to serve as the Palace Supervisor, which is the position of Deputy Director of the Imperial Censorate. Although the Emperor was reluctant, he had no choice but to appoint him. All the officials were very respectful of him, acting with great caution and not daring to be careless. In the autumn of the sixth year, the Emperor planned to launch a campaign against the State of Wu, and the courtiers engaged in a heated debate. The meritorious officials advised him directly, "Our army has repeatedly campaigned against the State of Wu without success, because Wu and Shu support each other, relying on the difficult terrain, which makes conquest difficult. In the past, the dragon boat drifted downriver and became stranded on the southern bank, putting Your Majesty in a dangerous situation, which left us, your subjects, terrified. The ancestral temple was almost destroyed that time, serving as a lesson for future generations. Now we are going to send troops on a distant expedition, incurring significant expenses daily and depleting the nation's resources, which emboldens those crafty enemies. I think this is not advisable." The Emperor became even angrier and demoted the meritorious official to a position handling administrative affairs. After returning from Shouchun, the Emperor stationed troops along the borders of Chenliu Commandery. The Prefect of Chenliu, Sun Yong, went to pay a visit to Cao Cao and offered some gifts as a gesture of respect. At that time, the military camp was not yet built; only a few markers had been set up. Sun Yong took a less-traveled path rather than the main road. The camp's officer Liu Yao wanted to bring charges against him, but Cao Cao said that the camp was not yet completed, thus he prevented Liu Yao from taking further action.
After the army returned to Luoyang, Liu Yao was punished for his actions related to the army's return. Cao Cao petitioned the emperor to dismiss Liu Yao and banish him. However, Liu Yao privately accused Cao Cao to the emperor, saying that Cao Cao had spared Sun Yong. The emperor issued an edict saying, "Cao Cao is misrepresenting the facts; hand him over to the court for trial!" The court sentenced Cao Cao to death, with a five-year imprisonment as an alternative punishment. Three judges disagreed, stating that according to the law, he should be fined two catties of gold. The emperor was furious, saying, "Cao Cao deserves to die a thousand deaths; how dare you lightly sentence him! Hand over all those below the three judges to the official in charge of investigating corruption; I want these rats to be driven into a hole together!"
The Grand Commandant Zhong Yao, Minister of Works Hua Xin, General Who Guards the Army Chen Qun, Palace Attendant Xin Pi, Minister of Works Wei Zhen, Acting Court Officer Gao Rou, and others all petitioned for Cao Cao's mercy, saying that Cao Cao's father, Xin, had made contributions to the late emperor (Cao Cao's father Cao Song). But the emperor refused to agree and ultimately executed Cao Cao. Cao Cao was known for his integrity, honesty, generosity, and charitable nature, and left no wealth behind when he died. Twenty days later, Emperor Wen also passed away, and everyone felt regret and resentment for Cao Cao.
Sima Zhi, also known as Zihua, was a native of Wen County in Henan. When he was young, he was a scholar and went to Jingzhou to escape the chaos of war. He encountered bandits in Luyang Mountain, and his companions abandoned the elderly and children to flee, leaving only Sima Zhi to protect his elderly mother. When the bandits arrived, holding a knife to Sima Zhi's throat, he kowtowed and said, "My mother is old; I beg you all!" The bandits said, "This is a devoted son; it would be unjust to kill him." So Sima Zhi was spared death and escaped with his mother in a deer cart. He lived in the south for more than ten years, working diligently and maintaining noble integrity.
Once upon a time, Taizu conquered Jingzhou and appointed Zhi as the magistrate of Jian County. At that time, the world had just been unified, and many places did not abide by the laws. Liu Jie, the county's registrar of Jingzhou, was a well-known noble in the area. His household had over a thousand guests, who were either thieves or causing disturbances to the local government. Before long, Zhi conscripted Liu Jie’s guests, including Wang Tong and others, to serve in the military. The county officials reported, "Liu Jie’s household has never served in the past. If he hides Wang Tong and others, it will definitely leave hidden dangers." Zhi did not listen and wrote directly to Liu Jie, "As a member of a large family and an important official in the county, your guests have never participated in service, which not only breeds discontent among the people but could also attract the attention of the court. Now that I have conscripted Wang Tong and others, I hope you can send them promptly."
The soldiers had already assembled in the county, but Liu Jie hid Wang Tong and others, and even used the pretext of urgent military matters to deliberately hinder the county. The county officials had no choice but to request substitutes to take Wang Tong and others' places. Upon hearing this, Zhi immediately wrote to the Governor of Jinan, detailing Liu Jie’s crimes. The Governor of Jinan, Hao Guang, always admired Zhi and immediately sent Liu Jie to serve in the military. People in Qingzhou said that Zhi "even took the county's registrar to serve as a soldier." Later, Zhi was promoted to magistrate of Guangping County.
Later, General Liu Xun, who had great power and was arrogant, happened to be Zhi’s former superior when he was a magistrate in Jingzhou. His guests and descendants often committed crimes in Guangping County. Liu Xun wrote to Zhi; the letter was unsigned, but he invoked many connections, hoping that Zhi would turn a blind eye. Zhi disregarded him entirely and dealt with the situation as he deemed appropriate. Later, Liu Xun was killed for committing a major crime, and those connected to him faced punishment, while Zhi earned a stellar reputation for his commitment to justice.
Li Zhi was appointed as the head of the Dali Temple. Once, someone stole official fabric and hid it in the toilet. The officials investigating the case suspected a female worker and detained her. Li Zhi said, "When problems arise in a case, it is usually due to being too severe and rough. Now that the stolen goods have been found, if we interrogate her again and she breaks under pressure, she may confess under duress. Confessions obtained under duress cannot be used to determine a case. Simplicity and efficiency are what those in power should pursue; ensuring that guilty parties are held accountable is the hallmark of good governance in a peaceful era. Isn't releasing the suspect to illustrate the principle of simplicity and efficiency a good approach?" The emperor accepted his advice.
Later, Li Zhi served as the governor of Ganling, Peixian, and Yangping successively, achieving notable successes in each position. During the Huangchu era, he was transferred to the central government as the Prefect of Henan. He enforced the law fairly, cracked down on the powerful elite, and protected vulnerable groups. He ignored all those who sought his help privately. Once, palace officials wanted to ask Li Zhi for help but didn't dare to speak directly to him, so they approached Li Zhi's wife's uncle, Dong Zhao. Nonetheless, Dong Zhao feared Li Zhi and was reluctant to help. Li Zhi then educated his subordinates, saying, "As leaders, we can create rules and regulations, but we cannot guarantee that subordinates won't make mistakes; subordinates may err, but we can't ensure leaders won't find out. Making mistakes despite having rules is the leader's negligence; if a subordinate makes a mistake, it becomes a disaster for them if the leader finds out. The leader's negligence is at the top, while the subordinate's disaster is at the bottom; this explains why political affairs often encounter obstacles. Isn't it time for everyone to step up?" From then on, all his subordinates became diligent and responsible.
One day, the Ministry of Rites inspectors suspected the gatekeeper of stealing a hairpin. The gatekeeper denied it, but the inspectors arrested him and took him into custody. Li Zhi said, "Many things resemble each other and are hard to tell apart. If it weren't for someone with exceptional eyesight like Lü Lou, it's easy to make mistakes. Even if the gatekeeper did steal it, why would the inspectors falsely accuse a colleague over a mere hairpin? Let's drop this matter."
When Emperor Ming ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Marquis of Guannei, elevating his status. Not long after, a wet nurse named Cao Hong and a maid of Princess Linfen were imprisoned in Luoyang for committing a crime. This was a serious problem!
Empress Dowager Bian sent a eunuch to the residence to demand their release. However, the Minister of Justice at the time, Zhang Zhi, sensed something was off and didn't dare to release them directly. Instead, he made sure the case was thoroughly investigated and resolved before reporting to the emperor. He quickly wrote a memorial to the emperor, essentially stating, "Anyone facing the death penalty must first be reported to and approved by Your Majesty. There were previous regulations prohibiting chaotic sacrificial activities to maintain social order. The crimes these individuals are accused of involve demons and monsters, and the case is not yet fully clarified. Eunuch Wu Da came to deliver the decree of the Empress Dowager to release them. I can't release them without proper authorization, fearing that someone may interfere, so I promptly report the situation to you. If needed, they can be held for a few more days. If this matter isn't resolved in time, it's on me. Therefore, I risked making a mistake by wrapping up the case quickly and then executing them. Please punish me for it!"
After the emperor finished reading the memorial, he personally wrote a reply saying: "I have read your memorial and understand your loyalty, wanting to strictly follow my orders, and that is why you acted this way. This is entirely in line with my wishes; there's no need for thanks. In the future, when the eunuchs come to pass on orders, you should ignore them!" Zhang Zhi held the position of magistrate for eleven years, during which he repeatedly highlighted the flaws in the legal provisions and suggested improvements. He was always known for his integrity in his official duties. Later, due to his close associations with some visiting princes and people in the capital, Zhang Zhi was dismissed. It's really a shame how it turned out!
Speaking of the Grand Minister of Agriculture, in the past, those officials and common folk responsible for agriculture all went into business to make money, neglecting proper agricultural duties. This Grand Minister of Agriculture is named He Zeng. He petitioned the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, in governing the country, you should prioritize agriculture over commerce. This is a tradition passed down from our ancestors! The Book of Documents states: 'If there is no grain stored for three years, can this country still be called a country?' The Guanzi also said that storing grain is of utmost importance. Currently, the northern barbarians have not been eradicated, the wars are endless, and the most critical needs for the country are food and clothing! Our Martial Emperor specifically set up the Tuntian officials to develop agriculture. During the Jian'an period, the national granaries were all full, and the common folk lived well. But since the beginning of the Huangchu era, those agricultural officials have turned to business, each focused on their own profit. This is not how a country should be! Your Majesty, as the ruler of this realm, as the Zuo Zhuan says: 'If the common people are poor, who will you rely on to be wealthy?' To achieve prosperity, we must seize the farming season and fully utilize the land. Those merchants pursue quick profits; though they may appear to make more money, the overall losses to the country are greater. It's better to cultivate an extra acre of land! Farmers work from the first month to harvest in October, busy all year long, every day is dedicated to farming. Now these agricultural officials say, 'Those who stay behind must manage the fields for those who go out to do business, urge them to work; there is no other way!' They say they have no time for farming because they have time for business, but in fact, they actually have plenty of energy. I believe they should no longer be allowed to engage in business; they should focus on farming, which would benefit the country!" After listening to his words, the emperor agreed.
When he was in office, whenever someone asked a question, he always consulted with his staff first, grasped his superior's intentions, and then guided them on how to respond, ensuring their answers were appropriate. He was a man of integrity who never put on airs. When engaging with guests, if someone was wrong, he wouldn't hesitate to point out their mistakes and criticize them in person, and he never spoke ill of anyone behind their back. Upon his death, he left behind no money. From the Wei Dynasty to the present, no one who has held the position of Prefect of Henan can match his integrity.
After Zhi passed away, his son Ziqi inherited his title. Ziqi initially served as a low-ranking official in Henan, then rose to the position of Court Secretary, and was later appointed as the Magistrate of Chenliu County. Liangjun was detaining a significant number of prisoners, involving complex cases with far-reaching implications, that had remained unresolved for several years. The court ordered these prisoners to be transferred to the county under Ziqi's jurisdiction. The county requested that prison cells and related facilities be prepared in advance. Ziqi remarked, "There are dozens of prisoners being held right now; they are cunning and hard to pin down, and they’ve already suffered enough. Their true conditions are quite evident. Do we really need to keep them locked up for so long?"
After arriving at the prison, Ziqi personally interrogated the prisoners, and they no longer dared to hide or deceive. The case was resolved within a day. Due to his outstanding handling of the case, Ziqi was quickly promoted to the position of Chief Judge. At that time, the Grand General Cao Shuang held power, and the officials He Yan, Deng Yang, and others were his right-hand men. A man from Nanyang, Guitai, fell out of favor with Cao Shuang for speaking frankly and was imprisoned in the Chief Judge's prison. Deng Yang was in charge of the case and wanted to severely punish Guitai. Ziqi reprimanded Deng Yang, saying, "You high-ranking court officials, who are the pillars of the royal family, should lead by example and educate the people. Instead, you indulge in personal desires, wrongfully accuse the innocent, and instill fear in the people. What kind of behavior is this?" Deng Yang was ashamed and angry at Ziqi's words and had no choice but to leave in shame. Worried that he would be punished for offending Cao Shuang, Ziqi resigned from his position and returned home claiming illness. Not long after, he died at the age of 35. His son, Zizhao, inherited his title.
Commentary: Xu Yi, He Kui, and Xing Yong were known for their integrity and upright personalities at the time. Mao Jie was upright and honest, while Sima Zhi was loyal and upright. These individuals were all known for their uncompromising character. Cui Yan were of noble character, and Bao Xun upheld justice impartially, but unfortunately, none of them had a peaceful end, which is really a shame! The highest moral standard combines wisdom and virtue, and the "Book of Documents" also values being "upright yet kind." Without possessing these qualities together, who can truly be perfect?
